Weston Memorial Day 5K Road Race, Walk and Kids Fun Run is Quickly Approaching

WESTON, Conn., May 16, 2016 -- Last year’s event broke all sorts of records. Race organizers are hoping Weston and surrounding towns will make this year’s event even better. Runners and walkers, young and young at heart, are registering online for the 23rd annual Weston Memorial Day 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run being held Saturday, May 28, rain or shine. There’s only 13 days left before the event and volunteers and sponsors are still needed.

“This year the event hopes to attract more participants to the ‘Walk, Don’t Run’ 5K. You are never too young or too old to participate in the 5K, 4K or 3K walk for wellness. If you can’t walk a 3K, please feel free to walk as far as you can,” said Roberto Ordonez, race committee and sponsorship chair.

To avoid long lines on event day, those interested in participating should register online for the race as soon as possible at www.weston5k.com, and pick up race packets and bibs at the in-person, registration desk on May 26-27 between 3-6 p.m. at the Weston High School cafeteria.

Race-day registrations will start at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, at Weston High School, located at 115 School Road in Weston, Conn. 06883.

For the Kids Fun Run, which starts at 8 a.m., event organizers brought back the inflatable obstacle course that doubled 2015 participation. It consists of a slide and other challenging components. Children can participate in a 100-meter sprint, and 400- and 1,600-meter runs around Weston High School’s track. Kindergarten through 5th grade students will receive a complimentary race-day T-shirt. And race organizers will allow even younger children who are accompanied by a parent to participate. Free race T-shirts will go to the first 500 race/walk registrants.

First, second and third-place winners (male and female) will take home $100, $50 and $25 cash prizes and medals respectively at the end of the race. Additional category winners will be awarded medals.

“This is a great day full of exciting events, competition and light food and drinks for everyone. The Weston Memorial Day 5K Road Race is the last fundraiser of the year for Weston High School,” said Ordonez. “It’s our last hurrah before the summer break and we need the public’s donations to help keep Weston High School at the top of its class in the state.”

The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to finish around 9:30-10 a.m. The course will affect the following streets limiting traffic access starting at 7:30 a.m.: all of School Road, Lord’s Highway from Newtown Turnpike to Old Hyde, all of Old Hyde, Norfield Road to Weston Road, and Weston Road to School Road.

2016 marks the 23rd year this event has been hosted by Weston High School’s PTO. The PTO allocates proceeds from the event to fund a variety of enhancements to the school curriculum, including computer software, teacher training, and equipment for the arts and athletic programs. In addition to registration fees, corporate and individual sponsorships, and donations support the PTO’s mission for quality in education and further enhancement of Weston schools.

The public should visit the new interactive sponsor directory at Sponsors.Weston5K.com and take advantage of special offers, coupons and discounts from area retailers. Additionally, race organizers will be posting special offers on the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WestonMemorialDay5k.

“Please ‘like us’ on Facebook, thank you,” said Ordonez.

If readers have a question or need more information, please contact Roberto Ordonez at 917-678-0934 or visit the website at www.weston5k.com.

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(Photo credit: Viv Simons, Weston)